puzzle

Definition of puzzle

1: to offer or represent to (someone) a problem difficult to solve or a situation difficult to resolve : challenge mentallyalso: to exert (oneself, one's mind, etc.) over such a problem or situation they puzzled their wits to find a solution

Choose the Right Synonym for puzzle

Verb

puzzle, perplex, bewilder, distract, nonplus, confound, dumbfound mean to baffle and disturb mentally. puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve.
the persistent fever puzzled the doctor perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.
a behavior that perplexed her friends bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking.
a bewildering number of possibilities distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests.
distracted by personal problems nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible.
the remark left us utterly nonplussedconfound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement.
the tragic news confounded us all dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound.
was at first too dumbfounded to reply

Noun

mystery, problem, enigma, riddle, puzzle mean something which baffles or perplexes. mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.
the mystery of the stone monoliths problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.
problems created by high technology enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.
his suicide remains an enigmariddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.
the riddle of the reclusive pop star puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.
the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

Examples of puzzle in a Sentence

Verb

The cause of the accident has puzzled investigators.
it is the cause of the disease that puzzles doctors

Noun

a book of puns, riddles, and puzzles
the final fate of the colonists at Roanoke remains a puzzle to this very day

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'puzzle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.